LA

3AHEL (s2022)

Grading Schema for Lab Reports

cover sheet                5/  5
table of contents          5/  5
equipment list             5/  5
description of goal(s)    10/ 10
required calculation(s)   20/ 20
circuit diagram(s)        20/ 20
data table(s) & chart(s)  20/ 20
findings and conclusion   10/ 10
overall impression         5/  5
total                    100/100

Programming Microcontrollers with MicroPython

The task for today's lab is to create a pedestrian crossing.

Follow the instructions on setting up Python 3 and Thonny on your computer. This must be completed before the lab session. The lab computers can be used, but I strongly encourage you bring at least one laptop computer per group (although two computers per group will be better).

During the lab session, it is your duty to create a traffic light for a puffin ("pedestrian user-friendly intelligent") crossing. To be able to complete the task, please make sure to have enough understanding of Python by working through an informal introduction to Python and more control flow tools before your lab session.

We'll be using the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller in the lab, but if you own any other Micropython compatible controller, please bring it and we'll try to make that work instead. If you don't own a MicroPython compatible device and still want to practice at home, you can use the Wokwi RP Pico simulator.

The source code created for or in this class is available at https://gitlab.com/senarclens/micropython-examples/ or via
git clone git@gitlab.com:senarclens/micropython-examples.git

Creating Lab Reports with LaTeX

Resources

Downloads

Diode Characteristics and Rectifiers

Diode characteristics and rectifiers

Diode Characteristic Lab

Each team selects a Schottky diode and an LED. For each of these, the characteristic should be recorded. Start by researching the corresponding datasheets and determine a reasonable series resistance and input voltage range. When recording the characteristic in forward direction, make sure that to measure the correct voltage. When recording it in reverse direction, the current should be measured correctly as there will be very little current given the high resistance of the diode. In addition, record the characteristic in reverse direction while measuring the correct voltage and explain whether or not the current through the voltmeter has a noticable negative impact on the quality of the characteristic.

Finally, when recording the characteristic of the Schottky diode, increase its temperature and explain the observed effect.

Audio (s2022)

Software

Install an up to date version of Python 3 and the pip (recursive acrynym for "pip installs python") package manager for Python code. To do so, follow the instructions at Installing Python.

Once they are installed, download the required Python packages

pip install --user --upgrade numpy ipywidgets jupyterlab matplotlib pandas seaborn scipy

Once everything is installed, we'll go over a brief introduction to numpy (only the numpy part) and the code of the first chapter of Allen Downey's book "ThinkDSP": Sounds and Signals.

For those who do not have a working setup, it is possible to run the examples via Google's colab: Sounds and Signals.

Grading Schema

In accordance with the Austrian LBVO your project will be graded using the following criteria

1
The project uses more than the demonstrated core libraries (numpy and thinkdsp) and functions. It implements own, independent code. The team worked independently, and the project demonstrates deep understanding of the employed programming language, libraries and the subject matter. The project description is written in clear, easy to understand language. The project outline is ambitious yet realistic.
2
The project uses more than the demonstrated functions and implements own, independent code. Eventual problems were solved mostly by the team. The project demonstrates reasonable understanding of the employed programming language, libraries and the subject matter. The project description is written in clear language. The outline is non-trivial and realistic.
3
The project demonstrates own, independent code. The team required only limited assistance. The project demonstrates at least basic understanding of the employed programming language, libraries and the subject matter. The project description is written in clear language. The outline is non-trivial and realistic.
4
The project uses the demonstrated functionality. The team may have required significant assistance. The project demonstrates at least some understanding of the employed programming language, libraries and the subject matter. At least a minimalistic project description and outline are presented.
5
If any of the minimum requirements outlined for grade 4 are not fulfilled.

If parts of a project or its entirety have been plagiarised, the project will receive a negative grade. Each student will have to clearly demonstrate their contribution to the project.